Everything I do, as a Credit and Alternative Finance Specialist, is designed to put my business clients on a fast track to qualifying for the financing they need to start, expand or stabilize their businesses. I do this by thinking outside the box because I have learned that few things are truly impossible when you have faith, take action and don't give up. However, "if nothing changes, nothing changes."

First we determine what can change or in some cases what must change, to increase the probability that clients will get the better outcomes they seek. Next we identify the high payoff activities which will accelerate the desired outcome. The process looks like this:

Plot the Course - We listen to your story, analyze your situation, define the problems, identify issues that must be resolved, clarify the alternatives and determine what is possible. We use this information to customize a plan to turn the possible into the probable and then transform the probable into reality for you.

Run the course - We provide guidance and coaching, to help identify and then execute on the the high payoff activities required to implement their plan.

Stay the course - Like every effective coach, we help our clients maintain focus and keep them on point.

Finish the Course - and Finish Strong - This is a process and not an event. We stand ready to facilitate those better client outcomes and work to ensure that every client is better off when they finish the course, than when they began the process.

Sundays are supposed to be fun-days. In the life of Steven, however, Sunday turned out to be the worst day of his life. Life in general is hard, but having bad credit makes life much more difficult. In the case of Steven, credit denials started piling up by the hundreds. No one wanted to help him or his family out. And why? Just because of a credit score? It got to the point that he started even having debacles with his wife over the bad credit. Where are they now? 6 months ago, Steven joined Credit Matters and they are today’s happiest couple! ‘Happy wife, happy life’, some may say. I say, Happy Credit, Happy Spouse!

When poor credit is the problem, Credit Matters is the answer!

Everything I do, as a Credit and Alternative Finance Specialist, is designed to put my business clients on a fast track to qualifying for the financing they need to start, expand or stabilize their businesses. I do this by thinking outside the box because I have learned that few things are truly impossible when you have faith, take action and don’t give up. However, “if nothing changes, nothing changes.”

First we determine what can change or in some cases what must change, to increase the probability that clients will get the better outcomes they seek. Next we identify the high payoff activities which will accelerate the desired outcome. The process looks like this:

Plot the Course – We listen to your story, analyze your situation, define the problems, identify issues that must be resolved, clarify the alternatives and determine what is possible. We use this information to customize a plan to turn the possible into the probable and then transform the probable into reality for you.

Run the course – We provide guidance and coaching, to help identify and then execute on the the high payoff activities required to implement their plan.

Stay the course – Like every effective coach, we help our clients maintain focus and keep them on point.

Finish the Course – and Finish Strong – This is a process and not an event. We stand ready to facilitate those better client outcomes and work to ensure that every client is better off when they finish the course, than when they began the process.

Step 1 - The Consultation

Together, the client and I discuss their personal situation and their goals. Next, we go through any credit or financial obstacles and make a tailored plan to help them achieve their goals.

Step 2 - The Process

We dispute the accuracy or verifiability of account information in the credit report. Any accounts that are incorrect, outdated, or unverifiable within 30 days, must be removed from the credit report.

Step 3 - Keeping You Informed

Throughout the entire membership period our top priority, alongside with increasing credit scores, is to keep both you and the client informed.

Step 4 - Reach the Goal

We let you and the client know as soon as credit scores have increased where we believe the client is qualified and ready for financing.

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Credit Restoration

Since 2003, Credit Matters has used the legal right of credit repair to help our clients achieve the financing they seek. Over the years, we have developed our approach to cater to each client’s unique situation; it starts with listening to each person’s story. What’s your story?

What is Credit Restoration?

Credit restoration, also referred to as credit repair, is the process of removing negative items from your credit report. Credit restoration involves disputing the accuracy or verifiability of account information in your credit reports. Disputing information in your credit reports with the credit reporting agencies (CRAs), creditors and collection agencies is a legal right afforded to consumers through provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other federal consumer protection laws.Read more about credit restoration

How it Works

Upon receiving a dispute letter, a credit reporting agency legally has 30 days to try and contact the creditor for each disputed account. If any accounts are incorrect, outdated or unverifiable, they must be removed from the credit report and the results of the investigation sent to the consumer within 5 days.Read more about how it works

Why Credit Matters

What sets us apart from other credit repair companies? We listen closely and take the time to understand your family’s situation — your monthly assets, debts, goals and other factors. Through our personal approach to game planning and advice, we can help you bring your dreams and goals to life.Read more about what sets us apart

Time to take control of your credit and unlock a world of opportunity.

And better yet, you don’t have to do it alone! We’re here to help.

What is Credit Restoration?

All of us have high hopes and dreams for the future: a new car, a great job or a comfortable home. At Credit Matters, we don’t want your credit score to stand in the way. We have a simple formula for success that includes strict regulatory compliance, innovative credit solutions and exemplary customer service.

Upon receiving a dispute letter, a credit reporting agency legally has 30 days to try and contact the creditor for each disputed account. If any accounts are incorrect, outdated or unverifiable, they must be removed from the credit report and the results of the investigation sent to the consumer within 5 days.

What sets us apart from other credit repair companies? We listen closely and take the time to understand your family’s situation — your monthly assets, debts, goals and other factors. Through our personal approach to game planning and advice, we can help you bring your dreams and goals to life.

Buy your credit report online from any one of the 3 CRAs. Whether you buy it as a one-time purchase or buy the online company’s credit monitoring service, this report provides your complete credit profile.

You can get a free credit report (no scores) once a year from each CRA at AnnualCreditReport.com, or call 877-322-8228.

Been denied credit in the past 60 days? If yes, call and request a free credit report from each CRA.

Be Aware! – Online reports may not show complete information and they may not be up-to-date.

There are numerous companies that buy credit report information from the CRAs and “resell” it to consumers online. Their commercials are on TV all the time (e.g. FreeCreditReport.com). Most companies offer these reports as part of a credit monitoring service, while some allow you to buy it as a one-time purchase. However, most services refresh data only once a month, and some even quarterly.

When you apply for a loan, the lender needs to check your credit report and scores. To do this, they buy your report from a “Credit Reseller.” Reseller companies buy credit information from the CRAs, format the data into their own customized report, and then sell the report to lenders. These reseller reports often leave out some of your credit info.

Mortgage lenders buy a “Tri-Merge Report,” which combines data from all 3 CRAs into a single report. Mortgage lenders are required to use Tri-Merge Reports because they show all 3 CRA scores (the “middle score” is used when considering a loan application).

Bottom line: Reports from lenders may result in limited and/or missing information. And since lenders pay for these reports, many have a policy not to give you a copy of the report.

13% of all reports contain errors resulting in the denial of financing (2013 FTC Study). Errors occur when creditors or the CRAs fail to update accounts. Another error is when a CRA reports another person’s data on your report.

HARD INQUIRIES AFFECT SCORES FOR ONLY 6 MONTHSeven though they remain on your credit report for 2 years. They affect your scores by 4-10 points per inquiry, depending on the type of credit application.

SECURED CREDIT CARDSare an option for people with bad credit. These cards require a small deposit (e.g. $300), which essentially becomes your credit limit. Check out some secured cards at CreditCards.com, or contact your local banks.

AUTHORIZED USERGetting added as an “Authorized User” to someone else’s card can also help raise your scores. However, BEWARE! Think twice if the account has past late payments or a high card balance. This could hurt your scores more than help.

DEBIT CARDS and PRE-PAID CARDSDO NOT help your scores.

CREDIT BUILDER LOANAside from getting a new car loan, a Credit Builder Loan is a great way to establish credit and boost scores in as little as 4-5 months. Check with banks and credit unions. Example: A bank lends you $1000, but places it into a savings account (funds are frozen), which serves as collateral. The payback is usually spread over a 2-3 year term.

Inquiries: A new credit card or loan inquiry will show up immediately on your credit report, dropping your scores 4-10 points.

Credit Cards: A new credit card won’t show up on your credit report until 30 days from when you opened it. When it does, your scores will increase roughly 10-30 points (This is only relevant if you have less than 4 accounts).

Inquiries: While inquiries report for 2 years, they only impact scores for 6 months. You will gain back 1-2 points each month, until the inquiry is 6 months old.

Credit Cards: Most of the score-boost that comes from adding a credit card happens on the first month. Over the next several months, your scores will roughly increase another 5-10 points.

Installment Loans: Smaller loans ($1000) take about 4 months until they start helping scores. Larger loans ($25,000) are a greater risk and can take up to 12 months or longer to recover. Once a loan reaches its recovery point, it will boost scores about 5 points the first month, and 1-4 points each month thereafter.

Not all utility companies report to the 3 Credit Reporting Agencies – so if yours does, then consider the following point: If you live with someone who has a good payment record with the utility company, have them add you to their account. You’ll instantly acquire all of their good payment history. if their payment history is full of late payments, perhaps consider closing the bad account, and start fresh by opening a new account in your name.

WHAT IS UTILIZATION RATIO?Your utilization ratio shows how much of your available credit you are using. The utilization ratio is viewed as a percentage.

CALCULATE YOUR UTILIZATION RATIOTake your [TOTAL CREDIT CARD BALANCES] and divide that by your [TOTAL CREDIT CARD LIMITS]. This will give you a decimal number. Move the decimal to the right 2 numbers and you’ll have your Utilization Ratio Percentage.

BIG BALANCES ON NEW CARDSBalances on new cards are treated as new debt. A new card with larger debt means more risk, and a bigger score reduction (up to 50 points). So, keep your new card balances low. As your account ages, the balance won’t be considered a new risk anymore.

CARD BALANCES ON YOUR CREDIT REPORTCredit card companies report your card balance owed on the statement date. So, if you want to show a lower balance on your credit report, pay it down before the statement date.

Statement dates typically are based on the day of the month you opened the credit card account. So, each card will have a different statement date.

What is a Charge-Off?After 180-days past due, the creditor deems an account uncollectable and writes it off for their tax purproses (however, you still owe the money). In either case, creditors may attempt to collect the debt, hire a collection agency, or sue for judgment.

Paying a Collection or Charge-Offwill not remove it from your report. In fact, it will continue to report for 7 years from the date the account first went delinquent with the original creditor.

Removal Strategy:Some collection agencies will remove the account from your credit report by paying it in full – IF YOU ASK THEM NICELY. However, since it’s a verbal agreement, you won’t be able to do anything if they don’t keep their word.

No Notice Required:Collection agencies aren’t required to notify you when they receive a collection account from a creditor. Nor are they required to notify you when they report it to the Credit Reporting Agencies.

Judgmentshappen when you’re sued in court and lose the case. The result of a judgment is a debt you owe to the party who sued you.

The Debt From a Judgment Means(a) you won’t be able to obtain mortgage or business financing until the judgment is satisfied; (b) unlike collections, judgments allow the winning party to garnish your wages and/or bank accounts.

To Satisfy a Judgment(a) pay the debt to the party who sued you; (b) obtain a signed & notarized satisfaction form from that party; (c) file the satisfaction form with the clerk of courts. The court usually reports to the CRAs in 30 days.

Judgments Report For 7 Yearsfrom the date they are filed, whether paid or unpaid.

Tax Liensare filed by the government when you haven’t paid your taxes. Unpaid tax liens remain on your report for 15 years from the filing date (unpaid tax liens will prevent you from getting a home or business loan). Paid tax lies remain for 7 years from the paid date.

Removing Federal Tax Liens:(a) Pay the lien; (b) Apply for a withdrawal of tax lien – IRS Form 12277; (c) Once approved, the IRS will send you a Withdrawal of Federal Tax Lien – IRS Form 10916c; (d) Send that form to the CRAs. Then, the CRAs must remove the tax lien from your credit report.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Wipes out most debt (excluding taxes and student loans), yet remains on your credit report for 10 years from the date it was filed.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Allows you to pay back a discounted amount of your unsecured debt over 3-5 years; it reports for 7 years from the date it was filed.

Score Impact: A bankruptcy will greatly reduce your scores at first, but after 2 years the impact is fairly small. Both Chapter 7 & Chapter 13 bankruptcies report to the CRAs even if the BK was dismissed or discharged.

Applying For a Mortgage? Bankruptcies in the past 4 years can affect mortgage financing. Loan programs vary, but expect to wait at least 1-2 years before being able to buy or refinance a home.

Mortgage Loans Are Included in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy unless the lender and homeowner sign a reaffirmation agreement prior to discharge. If not reaffirmed, a $0 loan balance will show on the credit report and no future monthly payments will be reported. If the homeowner stops making payments, the mortgage agreement allows the lender to foreclose and collect the balance owed.

The age of the debt is the main factor on scores. After 2 years, the impact of a defaulted debt greatly diminishes. Hence, paying debts over 2 years old improves scores very little (2 to 5 points). For collections & charge-offs, it’s the date the original account first went delinquent. For judgments and tax liens, it’s the filed date.

Whether you pay a defaulted debt in full or settle it for a lesser amount, the account is updated to report a zero balance. Any comment on the report about settling an account for a lessor amount does not affect the score.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allows you to challenge information in your credit report and potentially remove it. Accounts removed from your report affect your scores immediately, and won’t be included in the score calculation the next time your credit is pulled.

When adverse accounts are removed from your report your scores improve. The amount of score increase depends on the number of adverse accounts remaining, as well as the amount of positive credit history in your report.

CDS can be removed in 1-6 weeks. Disputing accounts usually results in CDS posted on the credit report. Most mortgage loans require that CDS be removed before approving your loan. To remove CDS from your report, you’ll need to notify both the creditor and CRAs that the account is no longer disputed and to remove the CDS remark.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (federal law) spells out the process by which you can dispute information in your credit report. Due to inaccurate, outdated, or unverifiable information often being reported in consumer credit reports, you have the right to dispute information directly with the Credit Reporting Agencies (CRAs).

Upon completing the investigation, CRAs are required to send you investigation results. This is a partial credit report showing which disputed accounts were corrected, deleted, or verified. Deleted accounts mean scores have improved. Scores are not included with this report.

Story:
A thief opened a credit card in a man’s name and, by changing the address, made sure the victim never received any of the bills. The thief never paid the bills, so the new debt showed up as a collection on the victim’s credit report. The victim didn’t check his credit report; thus, he didn’t know about the new account. Eventually, the credit card company sued the victim, resulting in a judgment he now owes.

Outcome:
New late payments, a new collection, and a new judgment on his credit report for the next 7 years.

Story:
A thief gained access to a State database and stole personal and employment information. The thief used a woman’s personal information to file false tax returns and claimed her tax refund. The thief also filed false unemployment claims. Not only was the victim out her tax refund, but 9 months later the State filed a tax lien against her because of the fraudulent unemployment claims.

Credit monitoring services vary – most require a fee. They alert you when a new inquiry is made, a new account is opened, or a change has been made to your credit profile. Ideally, choose a monitoring service that monitors all 3 Credit Reporting Agencies.

Call any 1 of the 3 Credit Reporting Agencies (CRAs) to place a free, 90-day fraud alert on your credit profile. This alerts lenders to verify your identity before giving you credit. You may also place a security freeze ($10 per CRA) on your credit reports. This requires lenders to enter your PIN # in order to check your credit.

Identity thieves use phishing emails to steal personal and financial information. These emails appear legitimate – looking like they came from your creditor – but, they are fake. The email contains a fake link, taking the victim to a fake website that looks real. The unaware victim uses their credentials to login, and the thief captures their username and password. Instead of clicking email links, use a web browser to go to a website.

Credit Repair and Debt Collection Laws are red hot topics.

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A company founded on hard work and integrity

Since being founded in Wisconsin in 2003, we at Credit Matters have stayed firm to our mission: to help consumers and business owners increase their credit worthiness. Being a family-owned and operated business, we understand the importance of hard work and integrity. We also know what it means to have goals and dreams and we have helped numerous clients reach their financial goals through our credit services.

Our Corporate Philosophy centers on three key cornerstones:

We believe in helping people increase their credit-knowledge to better manage and improve their credit worthiness.

By helping and educating people to improve their credit, we help them improve their life.

We believe in educating people to better understand and safeguard their personally identifying information.